Hiking in the Peak District

In 1665, more than 250 people died from the plague in a tiny village called Eyam. To prevent the horrible disease from spreading to nearby towns, Eyam quarantined itself. Some sources say the plague reduced the village’s population by 50%. Others say only 23% survived. These days, you can tour a museum dedicated to the plague, its victims, and heroes. Or you can take advantage of their free car park and go hiking. Like us.

Our hike started in a 14th century churchyard, led past a soccer field, across a road, and into the forest (above). We emerged onto someone’s alpaca and sheep farm and climbed over a few ancient stone walls. Note the convenient steps built into the walls (below). The English seem to be very comfortable sharing their land with walkers/hikers. Everyone courteously closes gates to keep livestock from wandering, dogs stay on leads (leashes) around other animals, and litter is nonexistent.

Oh Penny. She tries so hard. But sometimes we just have to carry her so we can pick up the pace. So many good smells! She is very curious about sheep recently and quite adept at sniffing them out and trying to run at them.

Checking out another sheep.

The view from the top was stunning as mist and fog rolled across the hills. It was amazing to see the colors of the landscape change as the sun moved in and out of the clouds. One minute everything was grey and green, and the next instant all the brown tones glowed orange, yellow, and gold.We stopped at a brewery in Chesterfield on the way home and then grabbed take out fish n chips. Each fish package was as large as one of my thighs. Ridiculous.

One fish per thigh. Literally. This is me sitting in the car with a fish on each leg.